Whirling amusement device



Dec. 23,1969 6. A. CASTELL WHIRLING AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Sept. 9, 1966INVENTOR. 6-4/4 4. CJSTELL' BY 612mm? J-NEASW United States Patent3,484,985 WHIRLING AMUSEMENT DEVICE Gail A. Castell, 7502 N. RosarioCircle, Tucson, Ariz. 85704 Filed Sept. 9, 1966, Ser. No. 578,375 Int.Cl. A63h 1/32 U.S. C]. 46-51 1 Claim ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Awhirling amusement device for balancing objects such as coins whilespinning the device on a finger includmg a rod having a U-shaped end forcarrying the object on the free end of the U and a finger-loop at theopposite end. The finger-loop is offset in the same direction as the Uso that the finger lies approximately directly over the object-carryingsurface.

This invention relates to an amusement device for use by both childrenand adults that is actuated manually.

It is an object of my invention to provide a simple amusement device inwhich patience and a steady hand are required to test the users skilland manual dexterity.

A specific object of my invention is to provide an amusement devicewhich is operated by swinging it around the finger of the user in awhirling motion.

A general object of my invention is to provide a provocative amusementdevice which may be operated at different levels of skill depending onthe users ability.

Other objects of my invention will become more apparent upon reading thefollowing specification and by referring to the accompanying drawing,which drawing and specification form a part of this disclosure.

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the preferred embodiment of thedevice of my invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of myinvention designed for the more advanced user;

FIGURE 3 is a general view showing the device of FIG- URE 1 in anoperative condition; and

FIGURE 4 represents another embodiment of my device in which the fingerloop is formed to provide better balance and control.

Referring now to the drawings, my device is a unitary device in the formof an elongated axial body 1, preferably circular in cross section, butwhich may be of other suitable cross section, such as rectangular. Theupper end of the body 1 is formed into the general shape of a loop 2which loop is of sufficient size to allow the users finger to be easilyinserted thereon. The loop is shown as being positioned with its centerdirectly in line with the axis of the body 1. This positioning of theloop is mainly for appearance, and an alternate, preferred, position isshown in FIGURE 4. At the lower end of the body 1 of the device there isformed a general U shown as 3 which is bent to extend upwardly towardthe loop 2. The leg of the U formed opposite the shaft is relativelyshort in relation to the overall length of the shaft 1. The total lengthof the device is variable but for convenience it will be generally inthe range of from six to eighteen inches. The device may be constructedof any suitable material of construction, for instance, extruded plasticor metal wire. The terminal end of balancing end 4 of the U isrelatively fiat and its planar surface would intersect the longitudinalaxis of shaft 1 at generally right angles.

In FIGURE 2, I shave shown an alternate embodiment which may bepreferred by those who have mastered the device of FIGURE 1 and wish amore challenging diversion. Here the loop end 3 and body 1 of the deviceare of the same general configuration as shown in FIGURE 1. However theopposite end is formed having loops 3 and 3a extending in oppositedirections. These loops are again formed so the terminal ends 4 and 4ahave their planar surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thebody 1.

In FIGURE 4 another alternate method of forming my device is shown. Thefinger loop is formed with its center offset from the center line of thebody. The center of the loop is approximately over the terminal orbalancing end 4 of the U which is formed at the other end of the shaft.This offset provides better and easier balance as it places the fingerof the user more directly over the balancing tip.

Referring to FIGURE 3, my device, utilizing principles of balance andcentrifugal force, is used as follows:

The user extends a finger, probably the index finger through the loop 2allowing the device to be suspended loosely from the finger. A smallfiat disc, coin or other relatively fiat symmetrical object is takenwith the other hand of the user and placed on the terminal end 4 of therod 1 as shown. The user slowly begins to swing the device back andforth, pendulum fashion, in increasing arm lengths until a completerevolution is made. This whirling motion is continued until balance islost and the disc or coin falls from the balancing tip. It can readilybe seen that centrifugal force acts to hold the disc against thebalancing tip of the rod. Therefore, one can swing the device in anyplane. It is possible, for instance, to whirl the device over the headof the user in a horizontal plane.

Another variation requiring greater skill is the device of FIGURE 2.This embodiment is operated in the same manner as is the device ofFIGURE 1, however, several objects are maintained in a state ofrotational stability. Another, even more difficult, variation is toplace several, as many as possible, discs on the balancing end.

I claim:

1. A whirling amusement device for balancing a relatively fiatsymmetrical object comprising:

(a) an elongated rod of substantially uniform crosssection,

(b) one end of the rod being formed into a U shape,

(c) said U having at its terminal end a relatively fiat balancingsurface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod,

((1) the opposite end of the rod being formed into a closed loop,

(e) the loop being of a size sufiicient to provide for loose insertionof a finger therein,

(f) said loop having its center oifset from the center line of the rodin the direction of the offset of the terminal balancing surface andpositioned over the terminal balancing surface.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,106,039 10/1963 Simpson 46-47OTHER REFERENCES Seventeen Magazine publication, August 1966, p. 276.

LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner R. F. CUTTING, Assistant ExaminerU.S. Cl. X.R. 273-1

